Bruce Melvin Schmoll

Bruce Melvin Schmoll, age 70, a lifelong resident of Dodge County, MN passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on March 16th, 2024. Bruce was born on August 19th, 1953 in Owatonna, MN to Melvin and Myrna (Filley) Schmoll. Bruce attended Claremont High School and graduated in 1971. He then went on to attend Winona State University and received a bachelor's degree in education. Bruce met the love of his life, Tarrie Pedersen, on a blind date. They were married in Winona, MN in September of 1979 and enjoyed 44 years of marriage. They were blessed with two sons, Eric and Adam. Bruce loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He enjoyed taking his children, family, and friends on canoe trips up to the Boundary Waters, Quetico and Woodland-Caribou Provincial Parks. Bruce was always happy to share the experience of enjoying the outdoors with others. He played in softball and volleyball leagues for many years. When he wasn't hunting, fishing, piloting his plane, playing softball or volleyball, he made wine and raised pheasants at his home over the years. Bruce was involved in many organizations and boards during his life. He was active in Boy/Cub Scouts, Dodge County Pheasants Forever, USMEF (United States Meat Export Federation), an officer of the MN Soybean Board, Zoning board for Dodge County, and the Ripley Township Board. Bruce made many friendships and connections from serving in the many organizations he joined. Bruce and Tarrie traveled the world with trips to China, Japan, and Taiwan with USMEF and annual adventures to Mexico and Dominican with friends and family. He was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, MN. Bruce was known for being able to make conversation with anyone and often would find some common ground; whether it be farming, sports, politics or the latest current events, Bruce was ever the conversationalist. While he was a friend to everyone he met over his life, most important to Bruce was his family, especially his two granddaughters, Ella and Ava.

He is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Schmoll.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Tarrie Schmoll; sons, Eric (Cassie) Schmoll of East Bethel, MN, Adam (Katie) Schmoll of Long Lake, MN; granddaughters, Ella and Ava; mother, Myrna Schmoll; siblings, Deb (Doug) Stangl of Estherville, IA, Becky (Dave) Overholser of Eagle Lake, MN, Brian (Heidi) Schmoll of Dundas, MN, and honorary brother, David (Heidi) Foy of Corcoran, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Bruce will take place on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 at 1:00PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, MN (404 Central Ave N, Dodge Center, MN). Visitation will be from 5:00PM-7:00PM on Thursday, March 21st, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Dodge Center, MN (25 South St SW Dodge Center, MN) and one hour prior to the service at church on Friday.

Blessed be his memory

The Schmoll family has created a video tribute for Bruce. Please copy and paste the link below into a new tab/window to open the slideshow.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/QDW6KDP9S6XZXKSG